calamus
- noun
- /ˈkæləməs/
- Specialized
:
ratán
- Rattan, which comes from the calamus palm, is prized for its strength and flexibility.
Examples
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The stems of the calamus are harvested to make furniture and baskets.
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Several species of calamus are cultivated for their long, slender canes.
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The calamus plant thrives in tropical climates.
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Can you identify the calamus among these plants?
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Rattan, which comes from the calamus palm, is prized for its strength and flexibility.
-
Several species of calamus are cultivated for their long, slender canes.
-
The stems of the calamus are harvested to make furniture and baskets.
Synonyms
A group of climbing palm plants with spiny stems used for weaving
A climbing palm with long flexible stems used to make walking canes
A tall spiny climbing palm from northeast Queensland, Australia, with long stems used for weaving
Compounds
- Specialized
A tall spiny climbing palm from northeast Queensland, Australia, with long stems used for weaving
- Specialized
A fragrant oil from the calamus root used in perfumes that may cause cancer
- Specialized
A marsh plant with long swordlike leaves and fragrant roots used in medicine
A marsh plant with long leaves and sweet-smelling roots used for flavoring and medicine
Surface Forms
Etymology
Calamus comes from an old Greek word kalamos meaning 'reed' or 'cane', and it was used for the climbing palm because its long, strong stems look and act like canes. So the plant called calamus is remembered as a reed-like palm whose stems make rattan furniture.
